Keeping your cool

[Other Mummy]

Sounds like you are going thru a burnout/slump. I went thru this last year. You know what helped? I termed my nuisance child that grated on my nerves and was constantly pushing buttons and trying to get a raise out of the other kidlets. Perhaps you need to restructure your daycare? Term and replace a particular child that is not working out?

We all know this, but forget often. Make time for yourself. When the kids are napping, take some time for yourself. Do you nails, watch some TV, rest with your feet up with a good trashy novel or magazine.

This business is very difficult some days(weeks). Don't feel badly about turning on the TV whilst prepping lunch. I do this every lunch time. We watch a Disney movie for 20 min. while I prepare lunch, get the table set, etc. IF this is your sanity saver..while feel bad? Sounds like you run a very structured, organized and fun filled daycare. I promise if you turn on the TV for a few minutes while prepping snack or lunch, your daycare kids won't turn into TV zombies. Sometimes they need that down time as well. If it makes for a more relaxed and sane/happy provider than why not?

I can completely relate to the irritability at the end of the day. Again, perhaps a 30 min break between daycare closing and starting on your "family" work duties. The first year is the hardest. But it's not written in stone. It can be 12, 18 or even 24 months, but it gets easier as time goes on.

As far as keeping my cool throughout the day?? Chocolate and coffee keep me going LOL!

[2cuteboys]

As far as keeping my cool throughout the day?? Chocolate and coffee keep me going LOL!

Amen !!!

I've had a rough couple of weeks too, a really frustrating end to last week. I've come to the conclusion that its centred around one little boy as well. I'm torn but I think eventually its going to come to terming.

I know that a lot of my stress comes from my own need to have things and activities organized and perfect, I need to just go with the flow and be more loosy goosy. I feel like I have a standard to live up to with the kids parents so I put added pressure on because of that. I'm sure they're just happy that their kids are safe and happy, but I tend to forget it sometimes.

[godsgirl]

I know that a lot of my stress comes from my own need to have things and activities organized and perfect, I need to just go with the flow and be more loosy goosy. I feel like I have a standard to live up to with the kids parents so I put added pressure on because of that. I'm sure they're just happy that their kids are safe and happy, but I tend to forget it sometimes.

This is EXACTLY what I have realized this week!!!
I need to just live in the moment more and relax. I think I have been putting so much pressure on myself and think I just need to breath and realize that as long as these children are safe, fed, clean, and rested that really is all that matters. For instance this one boy that I have been having problems with refuses to put his own shoes on (he's 3.5). He is so used to his family doing everything for him that he just doesn't try. I used to fight with him every time we would go outside to make an attempt at putting his own shoes on and it always ended in me being frustrated and doing it anyways because we were sick of waiting for him. This week I've decided that I can't be the only one trying to teach this boy how to take care of himself it's really up to his parents. If he doesn't know basic skills when he goes to school next year it's not my problem so why am I stressing out about silly stuff like that. This week I have just been putting his shoes on with the rest of the kids and going outside is so much less stressful. Yay!

My husband has said that this week my whole demeanour has changed and I seem less wound up. Truthfully, I feel it too. I know it's gonna take some time to 'unwind' and not be so worn out but I definitely feel I'm well on my way. I've even placed written reminders around the stressful areas of my house (mainly in the kitchen for those stressful lunch times) to remind myself to chill when I feel the children pushing away at my buttons.

It's nice to know I'm not the only one. Thank you ladies!!